Friday, January 9, 2009

Beware the light

I have come to believe that there are infinite passageways out of the shadows, infinite vehicles to transport us into the light. Martha Beck



This little golden light in my dash still twinkles merrily at me some 39 days later without so much as a mushroom cloud or an engine sputter. I've spent a lot of time looking into that light and thinking. Anyone who knows me well is either chuckling or rolling eyeballs by now.
That little tiny light can send me to into all sorts of reaction. How much power I've given it. How many other devices with warning lights and service needed sensors can send that thrill of adrenaline coursing through our veins?
Now don't get me wrong I would not mess with the oil light- there are some lights that mean business. but I think the whole concept has gotten carried away.
But!
The silver lining for me is that the exercise of the annoying engine light has been a minor revelation in our mental programming and culture that has been a source of stress I could not put my finger on. So me and my light are practicing daily detachment and being in the now. Right now the car is fine. I am fine. The world is... well... I am fine..

Stay tuned for the next installment :
The nut walks to work

2 comments:

Kim said...

Welcome back - I love the nut. Miss you!

Anonymous said...

My service people told me if the engine light is solidly on, it just means you're due for your checkup. If it starts blinking, pull over immediately and call 911.